Presidency Defends Tinubu, Rejects ADC Claims Over Convention Remarks

The Presidency has dismissed criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over remarks made by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his comments were neither targeted at the party nor harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.

The response follows allegations by the ADC’s National Legislators Serving and Former Forum, led by Nnenna Ukeje, which accused the President of making statements capable of undermining democratic principles after the party’s recent convention in Abuja.

In a statement issued via X, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare rejected the claims, accusing the opposition group of misrepresenting the President’s remarks for political gain. He described the forum’s position as speculative and lacking substance, adding that the ADC was grappling with internal challenges.

Dare clarified that Tinubu did not mention the ADC directly when referring to a political gathering as “noise” or a “street convention,” noting that the comments were general in nature and consistent with the President’s style of public communication.

He further argued that the opposition’s interpretation reflected a deliberate attempt to gain attention ahead of future elections, rather than a genuine concern about democratic governance.

Responding to concerns about shrinking political space and judicial independence, Dare maintained that Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain intact and functional. He emphasised that the judiciary continues to operate independently and warned against attempts to erode public trust through unverified claims.

The presidential aide also criticised what he described as a familiar opposition strategy of discrediting the government and electoral processes before election cycles begin, suggesting that such actions were aimed at attracting external sympathy.

Dare pointed out what he called contradictions in the ADC’s position, noting that the group had acknowledged Tinubu’s longstanding role in strengthening democratic governance before accusing him of undermining those same values.

He concluded that the President’s democratic record remains consistent and cannot be dismissed based on what he described as unfounded allegations, reiterating that Tinubu’s remarks were not directed at any specific political party.